Book III; Paradise Lost

Physical description

Illustration combining three elements from Book III of Paradise Lost; 1) Surrounded by angels with harps and a crucifix, God observes Satan's journey to the newly created World; 2) Satan, in the guise of an angel, undertakes the 'Passage to the Orb of the Sun'; 3) Satan descends onto Mount Niphates; A band of astrological symbols is visible in the sky; The image enclosed by an ornamental frame on brickwork; Drawn with a pen and bistre, and washed in with Indian ink.

Date

ca. 1688 (drawn)

Artist/maker

Medina, John Baptist de, born 1659 - died 1710 (artist)

Materials and Techniques

drawn with a pen and bistre, washed in with Indian ink; the borders painted in distemper

Dimensions

Height: 17 in full size with border, Width: 11.1 in full size with border, Height: 11.8 in the design, Width: 7.3 in the design

Object history note

Illustration designed for Book III of the fourth edition, folio, 1688, of Milton's 'Paradise Lost', which was the first published with plates.

This is one of a set of eight illustrations by John Baptist de Medina. There are four other plates in the volume which were not designed by Medina. The one for book IV was by Bernard Lens, senior, and that for book XII was by Dr. Aldrich. The remaining two have no designer’s name.

Descriptive line

Medina, John Baptist de; Illustration for Book III of 'Paradise Lost'; God observes Satan's journey to the newly created World; Satan undertakes the 'Passage to the Orb of the Sun'; Satan descends onto Mount Niphates; Drawn with a pen and bistre, and washed in with Indian ink; ca. 1688.

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

DYCE COLLECTION. A Catalogue of the Paintings, Miniatures, Drawings, Engravings, Rings and Miscellaneous Objects Bequeathed by The Reverend Alexander Dyce. London : South Kensington Museum, 1874.
The full text of the entry is as follows:

'FLEMISH SCHOOL.
...
SIR JOHN BAPTIST DE MEDINA.
Born at Brussels in 1660, died in Edinburgh in 1711.

ILLUSTRATIONS to MILTON'S PARADISE LOST. Drawn with a pen and bistre, and washed in with Indian ink. The borders painted in distemper by Pellegrino to imitate a rusticated wall with an ornamental frame or border near the composition, and a tablet at the bottom of each enclosing the monogram composed of the letters J. B. M. Designed for the fourth edition, folio, 1688, which was the first published with plates. The title beautifully executed with the pen and decorated like the illustrations.
"Original Drawings, eight in number being “all that were ever designed for Mr. Milton's Poem of Para-
“dise Lost, by Sr. John Baptist of Medina. Born at Brussels
"studied in the style of Rubens, worked in Scotland and
"London, died in Edinburgh, aged 51, 1711. Franc. Pellegrino
“in ABC: Pittor."* See the prints, Nos. 2162-2169. 548
Collection-Dr. Metcalf.
[*There are four other plates in the volume which were not designed by Medina, the one for book IV. Being by Bernard Lens, senior, and that for book XII. By Dr. Aldrich. The remaining two have no designer’s name. See the prints NOS. 2160-1, 2170, and 2313-14.]

BOOK III.-The flight of Satan to the newly created World. Passage to the Orb of the Sun, and "Descension on Mount Niphates." 549
Full size with border, height, 17 inches; width, 11 1/12 inches. The design, height, 11 9/12 inches; width, 7 3/12 in.

BOOK V.-Adam .and Eve singing the Morning Hymn at the entrance of their Bower.-The Descent of Raphael to Paradise. -Adam meets him and entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise, got together by Eve. 550
Full size with border, height, 16 10/12 inches; width, 10 11/12 inches. The design, height, 11 9/12 inches; width, 7 2/12 inches.

BOOK VI.-The destruction of Satan's hosts by the chariot of thunder driven into their midst; they fall confused into the place prepared for them, as related by Raphael. 551
Full size with border, height, 16 11/12 inches; width, 11 inches.
The design, height, 11 10/12 inches; width, 7 3/12 inches.

BOOK VII.-Raphael relating at the request of Adam why this world had been created. 552
Full size with border, height, 16 11/12 inches; width, 11 inches.
The design, height, 11 8/12 inches; width, 7 2/12 inches.

BOOK VIII.-Adam inquires concerning celestial motions, and relates to Raphael what he remembered since his creation, etc. 553
Full size with border, height, 16 9/12 inches; width, 11 inches.
The design, height, 11 9/12 inches; width, 7 3/12 inches.

BOOK IX.-Satan’s return into Paradise as a mist by night; changes himself into a sleeping serpent, and tempts Eve, when alone, to eat of the Tree of Knowledge; she eats, and brings Adam also fruit; they seek then to cover their nakedness. 554
Full size with border, height, 16 11/12 inches; width, 10 11/12 inches.
The design, height, 11 4/12 inches; width, 7 3/12 inches.

BOOK X.-The departure of the Guardian Angels from Paradise; Sin and Death are at the Gates instead. Satan relates to his host his success, and is censured by his audience. Eve appeases Adam. 555
Full size with border, height, 17 inches; width, 11 inches.
The design, height, 11 9/12 inches; width, 7 3/12 inches.

BOOK XI.-Michael coming down first reveals to Adam future things, and announces their departure.-Eve’s lamentation.-The Angel leads Adam up to a high hill and shows him what shall happen till the flood. 556
Full size with border, height, 16 11/12 inches; width, 11 inches.
The design, height, 11 8/12 inches; width, 7 3/12 inches.'

Production Note

The borders painted in distemper by Pellegrino to imitate a rusticated wall with an ornamental frame.

Materials

Paper; Pen; Indian ink; Distemper; Bistre

Techniques

Drawing (image-making); Painting (image-making)

Subjects depicted

Angels; Clouds; God; Crucifix; Satan; Frame; Astrology; Brickwork; Harps

Categories

Drawings

Collection code

PDP